There are approximately 65,600 regulated long-term care facilities in the United States. Getting older is an evitable part of life, and according to statistics, there is a 70% chance that those 65 years or older will require elder care facilities at some point.
If you or a loved one is currently in this position, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created a guide to help you learn how to choose an elder care facility that is right for you.
Read on for more information.
Feel the Atmosphere
One of the most important parts of senior living is having a comfortable atmosphere. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to not choose an elder care facility solely based on how it looks on the outside.
Take a tour of the inside of the nursing home, and see how it makes you and your loved ones feel. The rooms should feel welcoming, and be created for long-term care. It should be more apartment-like and less hospital-like.
The common spaces, such as the dining room, living area, gym, and library should all be easily accessible and put together thoughtfully. Your family should feel welcome there, too, and the facility should encourage their presence.
If you feel anything off-putting about the facility, make sure to voice your concerns before committing to anything.
Look Into Food Options
Not all senior care homes are created equal, and this is often the most obvious when it comes to their food options. You want to choose an assisted living facility that offers fresh food that meets all types of dietary needs.
No matter what they require, every resident should be offered something delicious, and there should be a variety of choices.
There should also be staff available during mealtimes to encourage residents to eat, and to ensure that everyone is getting proper amounts of nutrition.
Browse Activities Offered
There should be a wide variety of activities offered, helping residents to feel a part of the community while keeping their minds and bodies active.
Offering activities for different mobile levels is essential, as is offering activities that work for those that have hearing or visual disabilities. It’s important for the residents of elderly care homes to feel connected, so the activities should be designed for everyone to be able to participate.
Yet, not all facilities will offer such a selection. You should browse through what is offered at various care homes to ensure you find one that provides activities that suit your interests and mobile levels.
Don’t Settle For Anything but the Best in Elder Care Facilities
Choosing an elder care facility can be a stressful process because you want to find the perfect one for you or your loved one. Doing some research into various facilities is a great place to start, as is reading this guide.
Remember, the facility needs to work for you, not the other way around. If you do the work to find the right one, it can do just that.
In the meantime, browse through our articles if you’d like to read more lifestyle articles.
